Oil spill impact in tourism, manageable--Durano
Tourism Secretary Ace Durano shows to
photographers the sand at Costa Aguada which is
free from oil slick.
Malacaņang photo
Department of Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said the impact caused by the oil spill on the tourism industry of Guimaras is "manageable" since only seven out of the 24 beaches in the island are affected.
Durano did not categorically identify the seven affected beach resorts.
Petron's report identified several barangays in the towns of Nueva Valencia, Sibunag and San Lorenzo as affected by the oil spill.
Durano was with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the latter's second visit to Nueva Valencia. He said the problem brought by the oil slick is beyond tourism aspect but the livelihood of the affected residents.
Durano added that not all affected residents are banking on the tourism industry but on the rich fishing ground of the island. They lost their livelihood because of the oil spill.
"The reason why the oil spill was declared as national calamity is because of the damage caused on the livelihood of the people and environment. The government wants to make sure that all the affected residents will be given livelihood," said Durano.
He said the promotion for the 17 other beach resorts in the island should continue. While, the promotion for the seven affected beach resorts will resume as soon as all the concerned agencies tasked to handle the work will give them a clean bill of health.
Durano said the issue on the oil spill should not affect all the beach resorts. They received information that several customers have canceled their reservations because of the oil spill disaster.
The secretary was tasked by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to come up with a tour package especially those from New Zealand to promote the eco-tourism in the island.